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April 16, 2019 Travel, Within India

10 Buddhists Pilgrimage Sites in India

Wat Thai Temple, Kushinagar, pilgrimage site

India is a land of diversity where diverse religions can be found within the same state and the country. Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity are some of the widespread religions in India but nowadays Buddhism is quite popular among youths as its wonderful teachings of life inspire every youth. Its teaching ranges from separation from the materialistic delights of the world, truth, and non-violence.

A number of monasteries are located at the different corners of India which can be explored on your Buddhist pilgrimage tour in India, starting from Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya which is the most famous and acclaimed Buddhist Monastery in the country.

1- Mahabodhi Temple (Location- Bihar)

Mahabodhi Temple (Location- Bihar), pilgrimage site

One of the most divine Buddhist places in India which is established in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and was built by the great King Ashoka in the 3rd century. This 180 feet high huge pyramid architecture reflects the teachings, custom, culture, and tradition of Buddhists. A huge and gorgeous idol of Lord Buddha is standing majestically in this yellow stoned structure.

Specialty- the sacred Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained self-enlightenment.

2- Mahaparinirvana Temple (Location- Kushinagar)

The second holiest Buddhist places in India which are not only famous for its religious significance but also for its tourism rate. This Buddhist site is not only visited by Indian tourists but also by international tourists with the same level of enthusiasm. The beautiful architecture and the spiritual aura of this site are quite appealing to the visitors.

Specialty– A huge sleeping postured statue of Lord Buddha (6 meters high) which symbolizes Buddha’s highest state of salvation.

3- Wat Thai Temple (Location-Kushinagar)

Also called as the Buddhist treasures in India, Wat Thai Temple is known for its tranquil aura. The atmosphere inside the temple makes it a perfect place for meditation as the ambience is filled with complete serenity and peace. It’s impossible for the visitors to ignore the natural charm of this Buddhist site which is studded with greenery all around.

Specialty– Designed with a beautiful combination of Buddhist and Thai architecture and its green environment all around the temple.

4- Sarnath Temple (Location-Varanasi)

The place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon on wisdom after attaining the enlightenment and the architecture was constructed during the 3rd century BC by the great King Ashoka. Presently, it is counted among the top 5 Buddhist religious places in India.

Specialty– The first spiritual discourse was delivered by Lord Buddha after gaining the enlightenment. It also houses some other Stupas which enhance the charm of this site.

5- Sanchi Stupa (Location- Madhya Pradesh)

It is believed to be the most ancient stone monument in India built by the great emperor Ashoka. This magnificent architecture represents very beautifully the glory of Buddhism architecture and also the arts. The intricate carvings on the walls, pillars, and the gate of Stupa makes it one of the most visited Buddhist sites in the country.

Specialty– Beautiful relics of Lord Buddha, exquisite carvings on the gateways, and the huge spherical dome.

6- Rumtek Monastery (Location- Sikkim)

Rumtek Monastery (Location- Sikkim), pilgrimage site

Nestled beautifully on the hilltop in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery was known as the Dharma Chakra Centre originally. Besides being a spiritual place, Rumtek is also known for its growing tourism rate due to its beautiful location and surrounding landscapes comprised of green mountains which gives a visual treat to the visitors coming to this place.

Specialty– Its fine architecture is quite famous in the world and the breathtaking view of the entire Gangtok town.

7- Theravada Buddhist Temple (Location- Itanagar)

Theravada Buddhist Temple (Location- Itanagar), pilgrimage site

One of the most prime Buddhist destinations in East India, Theravada is considered to be an ideal place for seeking meditation due to its serene ambience. The place holds great religious significance in Buddhism and is also known for its surreal natural beauty.

Specialty– Verdant greenery, comfortable, positive, and peaceful vibes and also the cleanliness of the structure makes it unique and special.

8- Kapilvastu (Location- Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh)

Kapilvastu (Location- Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh), pilgrimage

This Buddhist site holds a great religious and historical significance and also famous for housing numerous Stupas. Kapilvastu is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha was grown up and lived up a happy life with his son Rahul and wife before leaving for Nirvana.

Specialty– The inscriptions of Deoputra in the Stupa Complex, Palace site, and the ruins of the palace of Prince Gautam’s father King Suddhodhan.

9- Ghum Monastery (Location- Darjeeling)

Ghum Monastery (Location- Darjeeling), pilgrimage site

It is believed to be the oldest Buddhist site in the city of Darjeeling which is elevated at a great height of 8000 feet. This highly elevated monastery was established by Lama Sherab Gyatso in the year 1850. One can witness many ancient manuscripts of Buddhists inside the premise of this structure.

Specialty- the clay used to design the huge statue of Buddha in the monastery was brought from Tibet. The view of imposing Kanchenjunga is an additional treat to the eyes.

10- Ajanta Caves (Location- Maharashtra)

Ajanta Caves (Location- Maharashtra), pilgrimage site

Included in the list of World Heritage Sites as declared by UNESCO, Ajanta Cave is a beautiful Buddhist architecture which was constructed during 650 CE and 2nd century BC. The paintings and the sculptures depicted on the walls of the cave tell many stories and also numerous things about the Buddhist culture. The serenity and tranquillity of the cave is an additional feature of this Buddhist site in India.

Speciality– set of 3 rock-cut structure, the greenery of the surrounding areas, and the huge meditations halls.

Why You Should Blog Your Travels

Travelling is what most people want to do. May it be near or far, we would love the freedom to go anywhere to discover new things, places, food, culture, and many more! It gives one a new and unforgettable experience and thus, people find various ways in order to preserve their memories even longer. One of the common types is through blogging.

Are you interested in starting a travel blog but you still have hesitations about starting? Maybe it’s because you don’t know where to post your story or which website to share it to. It could be the lack of time you need in order to think and build up your whole story, or the fear of not having enough “good” writing skills which makes one not post their blog. Sometimes, it’s not about the technicalities itself, some of you may be thinking, “What’s in it for me? What value can it give to my life?”

Well, here are some reason you might want to start a travel blog:

It helps you build connections

blog helps create connections — Business Network People Business Networking

Building a travel blog helps you connect and network with people from different places. It’s not just with your readers but also with other travel bloggers, video creators, travellers, photographers, and people in the travel industry.

Nikon D3400 Digital Camera Kit (Black) with Lens AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm, 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens, 16 GB Class 10 SD Card and DSLR Bag

In my travels, I have gotten extended help from fellow travelers and locals because of people who have read my travel entries. They guided me on locating the best restaurants, showed me places which are not popular with tourists, and gave me more information on what a certain place has to offer.

Whether you meet these kinds of people in social media or in real, you get the opportunity to collaborate and learn travel tips from them as well.

You help contribute your knowledge to other travellers

The Internet is a digital library of knowledge and experiences. Help contribute to that library and help other people who are also curious to know more about the world.

Somewhere out there in the world, there is a person with the same sentiments, dilemmas, and musings as you. You become a teacher and a guide to others.

Posting reviews? You are letting someone know if a place is worth visiting or not. Posting your travel problems? Your posts are helping someone out there who is also a lost traveler. Posting about a bad hotel experience? Help other travelers avoid it and help the hotel improve their business.

Possibility for travel perks and sponsorships

blog helps create travel perks and sponsorships — Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Creating a travel blog should not be for the sole purpose that you want to earn money from it and you also should not expect that you will make lots of money with your travel blog right away. Otherwise, you might end up quitting if you do not get the results you want right away.

However, if you want to start a blog for the sole purpose of writing about your passion and love for travel, then if your travel website starts to get traction and acquire more readers, you can monetize it for affiliate marketing links related to the travel industry, sponsorships, advertisements, and travel perks.

Places to visit in Badrinath

Badrinath is a naturally blessed pilgrimage nestled between the beautiful Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. The unspoiled beauty and the breathtaking surroundings add more glory to this spiritual place dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One of the most revered stopovers of Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, and like other pilgrimages in the circuit Badrinath holds a great religious significance in Hinduism and Hindu devout. This ancient holy town of Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3133 meters above the sea level. The temple name has been derived from the word Badri as the region is much abundant in yielding berries. With myriads of holy legends and the myths associated with the place, Badrinath holds a prominent place in the list of Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Places to visit around Badrinath-

Despite being reckoned as a revered place in Uttarakhand, Badrinath is surrounded by numerous interesting traveling destinations which can give you an exciting and awe-inspiring traveling experience. This article has compiled the list of all the tourist destinations in and around Badrinath which can be explored by opting Badrinath Yatra Package.

1. Badrinath Temple

Also called as Badrinarayan Temple, Badrinath Temple is situated at the right side of the Alaknanda River. The temple stands at an altitude of 3133 meters above the sea level in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand and is dedicated to Lord Badri (Vishnu). The temple is believed to be constructed during the 8th century by the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. “Singh Dwar” which is the main entrance of the temple is the major attraction of the temple. A 3.3 meter tall and black-stoned statue of Lord Vishnu which is installed in the Garbhagriha of the temple along with the idols of other gods and goddesses. Devotees cannot pay their homage and cannot do the philosophy of Lord Vishnu during winter as this divine temple is closed during the winter season which gets opened with the commencement of summer season.

2. Vasudhara Falls

This beautiful waterfall in Uttarakhand is one of the most charming traveling destinations near Badrinath. The water of this stunning waterfall falls from a great height of 400 feet above the sea level and is a perfect example of nature’s ethereal beauty. It is believed that the cascading water falling from the height turns away from those who are not pure at heart and can only be savored by the people with pure and clean heart. Despite being a remote location, the cool and salubrious ambiance of the atmosphere and the unadulterated beauty Vasudhara waterfalls is a heavily crowded and a must visit place in Badrinath.

3. Satopanth Lake

A triangular lake which contains crystal clear green water is situated at an elevation of 4600 meters above the sea level and is reckoned as the highest altitude lake located in Uttarakhand. The lake is established near the divine Badrinath Temple. The trekking trail of this pea-green lake is quite appealing and inviting to the adventure enthusiasts to gear up themselves for an enrapturing and lifelong trekking experience. The beautiful landscape of the surrounding that includes snow-clad mountains, lush green meadows, and the imposing mountain peaks negotiates the tiredness and keeps you refresh and motivated during the trek.

4. Brahma Kapal

This traveling destination of Badrinath holds a great significance in Hinduism and is known to be the place where people come to pay respect and homage to the departed souls of their ancestors. Brahma Kapal is located around 2 km away from the Badrinath shrine and there is a deep belief among Hindu devout that if they perform the Shraddha rituals of their ancestors at this sacred place then the departed souls of their ancestors and their loved ones get liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Festivals in Badrinath:

• Mata MurtiKaMela

There is a grand celebration organized every year on the day when the idol of Lord Uddhavji is brought to the Mata Murti Temple which is approx. 3 km away and the idol is brought back to its place on the same day.

• Badri Kedar Festival

This auspicious festival is celebrated in the month of June and the festival is organized in the temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The festival continues for eight days and through this Badri-Kedar festival, numerous greatest artists come under the same platform.

7 Most Romantic Hotels in Dubai for Couples

Isn’t love the most beautiful feeling to ever be? Don’t you think that love is something that you should celebrate?

If you have found the love of your life you should never hold back from cherishing that love and your relationship. You can always make some time out of your work life to spend quality time with your better half.

You can do so many things such as a vacation trip, stay at a romantic hotel, dinner at a romantic restaurant, or can do all of these together. If you have made up your mind to surprise your beloved with a trip there is one destination that is perfect for you which is Dubai.

In Dubai, you will find everything that you need for your romantic getaway. Well, you might be familiar with various romantic places in Dubai already but do you know about the romantic hotels in Dubai?

Here are 7 Most Romantic hotels in Dubai to pick from:

Jumeirah Al Naseem

There are numerous places in Dubai where you can stay but nothing can beat the beauty of Jumeirah Al Naseem. The facilities and services that you can avail at this place will only make your trip even more worth remembering. There are beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning places to dine.

Jumeirah Al Naseem, romantic Dubai — **Jumeirah Al Naseem**

You can choose your room from different suites such as the royal suite, ocean terrace suite, and more. There is a private beach where you to sit and relax with your lover. Where you can just sit and stare at the view from your suite in the evening you can enjoy some thrilling water sports during day time at the hotel’s water sports center.

La Ville Hotel and Suites

La Ville Hotel is a 5-star boutique hotel that will give you an experience like never before. The amazing decor and architectural plans used to build this hotel are enough to set your mood for the holidays. There is a private spa for the customers where you can get rid of fatigue to be refreshed to explore different sites.

La Ville Hotel and Suites, romantic Dubai — **La Ville Hotel and Suites**

Just like you, there are many other couples preparing for a romantic outing so getting all your bookings done beforehand is always better. You can do it while planning it in your home through online booking sites such as Rehlat Airways and not just hotels even if your flights get full during seasons. Using an online site will make your visit tension free plus you get to choose the flights and hotels according to you like the best hotels for unmarried couples in Dubai.

Atlantis – The Palm

Just the fact that this hotel is on one of the largest man-made islands in the world makes Atlantis- the Palm a golden choice. The charm of the place comes from the astounding underwater suites which are just beyond comparison.

Atlantis-palm Credit - Telegraph
romantic Dubai — Atlantis-palm Credit – Telegraph

Forget about the city couples have a lot to do and see on this Island only like shopping, dolphin swims, aquarium dives, and even helicopter tours. Since it is a very popular place for couples to hang out the aura around the Palm is already romantic.

The Palace at One & Only Royal Mirage

Are you looking forward to that one special romantic dinner in Dubai? Then you should plan your stay at The Palace. The hotel by One & Only Resorts is the definition of incredible starting from its royal suites and pleasing views to its scrumptious cuisines.

The Palace Pool Bar Esplanade - Credit Newsroom Kerzner, romantic Dubai — The Palace Pool Bar Esplanade – Credit Newsroom Kerzner

At the Palace, you can have the ultimate dining experience with different dishes at 4 different restaurants. Along with this, there are bars and lounges such as The Jetty Lounge, The rooftop Terrace & sports Lounge and you can chill at the luxurious seafront at Drift Beach.

Al Maha Desert Resort

If you are in Dubai and haven’t been to the deserts then your trip isn’t complete and if your beloved finds deserts fascinating you can book a room at the Al Maha Desert resort which is surrounded by dunes and enchant them with its glorious history.

Al Maha Desert Credit - Youtube, romantic Dubai — Al Maha Desert Credit – Youtube

Stay at Al Maha will provide you with a lovely peaceful atmosphere with activities like camel rides, desert drivers, wildlife safari, and Ghaf tree walk. After relishing in the sand you can end your day here with a romantic dinner under the stars.

Raffles Dubai

No way can’t a hotel with interiors made with handmade ornaments be romantic. The Raffles is a well-known landmark of the Skyline over the city of Dubai. At Raffles, you can book a landmark suite, penthouse suite, or presidential suite. Your romantic holiday can have more than just a stay at Raffles. You can organize celebrations for your lover here be it their birthday or your anniversary.

Raffles, romantic Dubai — **Raffles Dubai**

When you are traveling from a faraway place you aren’t much aware of the choices. In such situations, online portals such as Flyin can be helpful as they will provide you with the best hotels in Dubai where you can make adjustments as per you. You can also make your travel less troublesome with easy Flyin flight booking from this site only.

Anantara The Palm Dubai

The Anantara resort is an elegant place to spend holiday time with your loved one. Here you can book an apartment, an overwater Villa, or a beach pool villa rather than a room with an alluring view. Dining at Anantara includes delicious food items from across the globe at Palm Jumeirah restaurants and beautiful cafes and lounges.

Anantara The Palm, romantic Dubai — **Anantara The Palm Dubai**

You can mold your stay at the hotel in whatever way you want. You can sit by the beach relaxing or if you want you can go for some adventure water sports or can utilize the Spa services, a salon for both men and women, get a massage, or take a steam bath.

You may also like to read Top 7 Things to Keep in Mind while traveling to Dubai

Top 7 Things to keep in mind while travelling to Dubai

Conclusion

Once you commit yourself to somebody it is important that you keep making efforts to keep the romance alive. With so many online websites that can help us reach out to different holiday destinations deciding on a trip sometimes isn’t that difficult. In Dubai, you can spend a wonderful vacation with a stay at romantic places. You can also look for different wedding anniversary packages in Dubai on these sites and make your beloved feel special.

Author bio – Chirag Aggarwal is a pro blogger that writes in different niches and working in this industry for 3 years. He is known for his creative writing style and valuable information. At present, he is a Digital Marketer and capable of driving the best results.